When Ramadan arrives in the summer, load up on replenishing drinks after breaking the fast
This year the holy month of Ramadan falls in the summer, making fasting a tough task for Muslims across the world who abstain from food and drink until sunset. As the body loses liquids, people need to drink more after Iftar in order to avoid dehydration. All of the following are traditional Ramadan drinks that can keep you hydrated.
Dates and Milk
Dates and Milk are traditionally eaten right after the sunset call to prayer. Muslims begin their Iftar by consuming the dried dates, which are put in milk overnight, in adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, who also broke his fast this way. While plain dates and a simple glass of milk are certainly traditional, you can spice things up a bit by adding stuffed dates to it.
Amar al din
Probably the most popular drink during Ramadan, Amar al Din can be consumed during Iftar or Suhoor. It is a perfect way to start Iftar as it contains enough sugar to boost the digestive system. Made from either rolled dried apricot or dried apricot paste, Amar al din contains digestive aids, metabolism regulators, vitamins, and other useful properties.
Khoshaf
During Ramadan, Arabs sip a cool mixture made of dried fruits known as Khoshaf. The ‘fruit salad’ drink, which is made of dried apricots, figs, dates, raisins, and prunes is soaked in water and sugar overnight to form a delicious sauce that makes this salad sweet. Khoshaf is typically served in small portions, just to break the fast before sunset prayers and then the sit-down meal.
Sobia
Made by lightly fermenting brown bread, barley, spices, and sugar, Sobia can be white or dyed red. Very popular in Saudi Arabia, the drink is often sold in plastic bags by street vendors during the holy month.
Carob juice
Carob juice, also known as Kharoub, is a traditional Egyptian drink. It is usually drunk during Ramadan. The healthy and refreshing drink is full of fiber, protein, and antioxidants that helps during the long hours of fasting.
Tamarind or Tamer Hindi
Tamarind also known in Arabic as ‘Tamr Hendi/Tamer Hindi’, or Indian date is very popular in Arabic countries. Despite its name, Tamer Hindi is a very sour drink that is considered the twin of Hibiscus as it is made almost in the same way. It is made of tamarind fruit mixed with sugar and water.
Jallab
Jallab is a popular drink in the Middle East. The drink is made with dates, grape molasses, and rose water and served with lots of ice and topped with pine nuts and raisins.